Quantum Technology Security Engineer

About the Client:

Our client is a leading figure in Europe’s aerospace sector, with a focus on satellite systems, space exploration, and security solutions. With decades of expertise, they are known for advancing satellite technologies that facilitate communication, Earth observation, and scientific missions. As a reliable partner to governmental and commercial organizations worldwide, they consistently push the boundaries of technological innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and excellence within the space industry.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a specialist to support our quantum technology development team. This role involves advancing the next generation of secure communication through satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum-based random number generation (QRNG). You will work on bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and experimental implementations with current optical and photonic technologies, focusing on finite-key security analysis and implementation security.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of secure communication technologies using satellite-based QKD and QRNG.
• Perform finite-key security analysis with an emphasis on implementation security for QKD protocols and quantum-based random number generation.
• Close the gap between theoretical concepts and experimental implementations using current optical and photonic technologies.
• Engage in performance simulations of QKD systems, including secret key rate estimations.
• Develop new protocols in collaboration with academic partners.
• Provide systematic approaches to prove the security properties of systems.
• Participate in space-based missions aimed at securing future European data communications.
• Lead or contribute to proposals and subsequent studies related to quantum technologies.

Qualifications:

• PhD in theoretical physics, mathematics, theoretical computer science, quantum optics, or a related field with strong expertise in quantum mechanical modeling of systems.
• Experience in developing security proofs for QKD protocols or QRNGs, particularly against quantum adversaries.
• Motivation to actively participate in space-based missions to enhance European data communications security.
• Experience with performance simulations of QKD systems and secret key rate estimations.
• Willingness to collaborate on the development of new protocols with academic partners.
• Ideally, technical knowledge and experience in cryptographic systems.
• Passion for systematic approaches to proving system security properties and interest or experience in security risk analysis (e.g., EBIOS or ISO methods).
• Ability to work effectively in a team with a self-managed and proactive working style.
• Experience or willingness to lead and contribute to proposals and studies.

What the Client Offers:

• Hybrid work arrangements and mobile work abroad opportunities.
• Structured onboarding with a buddy system.
• Extensive training courses, professional development, and German language classes.
• Competitive salary with a 13th-month bonus and a company pension plan.
• Subsidised company restaurant and health promotion activities.
• Kindergarten subsidies, paid child sickness days, and childcare during vacations.
• Subsidised public transportation, job bike program, and parking.
• Participation in company events like Christmas parties and satellite launches.
• Company suggestion system and opportunities for research and development.